Hayden calls it quits

An emotional Matthew Hayden signals the end of a hugely impressive domestic and international career

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Australia opener Matthew Hayden has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

The 37-year-old made his decision public at a press conference in Brisbane today.

Hayden, who also brought an end to his domestic career, will be given an emotional farewell with a lap of honour in front of his home crowd at the Gabba before today's Twenty20 international against South Africa.

The left-hander, who played 103 Tests and 161 one-day internationals in a glittering career stretching back to 1993, struggled to make an impact this summer against New Zealand and South Africa, scoring just 149 runs at an average of 16.55 in five Tests.

His decision comes after he was dropped from Australia's one-day and Twenty20 squads for the current series against the Proteas, although he had earlier stated his intention to tour South Africa next month and compete in the Ashes in England later this year.

Hayden scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73 over his Test career, a tally bettered only by Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting among Australians. He also made 7,767 at 43.80 in one-day international cricket.

He held the record for the highest Test score when he hit 380 against Zimbabwe at the WACA in October 2003, only to see Brian Lara - the previous holder - reclaim the mantle by making 400 not out against England six months later.

Flanked at today’s press conference by Australia captain Pointing, Hayden insisted he was ready to move on to the next stage of his life.

Hayden is flanked by his family as he bids farewell to the game. He insists he retires with no regrets

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"Today, I am announcing my retirement from competitive cricket, effective immediately," he said.

"I have lived the dream and loved every minute of representing Australia and Queensland - there's zero regrets when it comes to my cricket performance.

"I feel privileged to have been in a position where I've had longevity because I've experienced the enormity of the experience in the longer term."

An emotional Hayden admitted it had been an honour to represent his country over the past 15 years before pausing to compose himself.

"I am retiring from cricket but not from life," he added. "I'm humbled by my background and I've been humbled by the fact that I've got so much support.

"That's why I can feel so proud of what the team has achieved over the period of time that I've contributed to it. I hope that in some small way that I've been able to leave a legacy into that culture.

"I can freely walk away from Ricky and the team knowing that the custodians of the importance of the fabric of our culture are well and truly harnessed."

Hayden is looking forward to enjoying his favourite pastimes - fishing, boating and cooking - and intends to throw himself into programs to promote cricket among indigenous Australians and the McGrath Foundation.

He thanked his “brothers of the baggy green” for their support and credited the culture of the Australia team for its success over the past decade and more.